URGENT UPDATE: Former President Donald Trump has just announced that Coca-Cola will begin using real cane sugar in its beverages sold in the U.S. This significant development follows Trump’s discussions with the company, aiming to enhance the quality of American products.
In a post on Truth Social on Wednesday, Trump stated, “I have been speaking to Coca-Cola about using REAL Cane Sugar in Coke in the United States, and they have agreed to do so. I’d like to thank all of those in authority at Coca-Cola.” This move is particularly impactful as Florida, Trump’s home state, is the nation’s leading producer of sugarcane.
This decision marks a shift from Coca-Cola’s usual practice of using high-fructose corn syrup, commonly employed in U.S. products, while cane sugar is typically used in their offerings abroad. A spokesperson for Coca-Cola confirmed the news, stating the Atlanta-based company would share details about new products soon and appreciated Trump’s enthusiasm.
The announcement aligns with the Trump administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative, championed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.. This initiative has been pushing food companies to eliminate artificial ingredients, including dyes, from their products. Kennedy has previously criticized the high sugar content in American diets and emphasized the need for updated dietary guidelines promoting whole foods.
A report released in May by the MAHA Commission highlighted concerns regarding the consumption of high-fructose corn syrup, linking it to childhood obesity and various health issues. Medical professionals advocate for limiting added sugars in diets but have noted no significant nutritional differences between cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup.
While advocates welcome the change, industry leaders are voicing concerns. John Bode, President and CEO of the Corn Refiners Association, stated, “Replacing high-fructose corn syrup with cane sugar doesn’t make sense. It would cost thousands of American food manufacturing jobs, depress farm income, and boost imports of foreign sugar, all with no nutritional benefit.”
This announcement is developing, and many are watching closely to see how this decision will affect consumers and the food industry. The White House has not yet responded to requests for further comments on this matter.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds and the implications of this decision continue to emerge.
